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Project Name: Shanghai Pujiang Minghui Restaurant
Location: Pudong New District, Shanghai, China
Area: 4700 m²
Design Firm: Yuanxi Creative Design (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Creative Director: Professor Duan Yuan
Design Scope: Spatial layout, Hard furnishings, Soft decorations, Landscape design
Key Materials: Wood finishes, Upholstered panels, Stainless steel, Specialty paints, Marquetry marble, Flooring
Design Phase: January 2022
Completion: October 2022
As a designer who grew up and lives in a northern city, Duan Yuan possesses a vibrant and unrestrained energy, giving her designs a broad and expansive vision. In the Pujiang Minghui project, which carries southern genes, she also infused a touch of delicacy and sensitivity.
Not to be overlooked is her exquisite interpretation of time and history within the project: modern and vintage timelines progress in parallel, intertwining the charms of old and new eras; the fusion of high culture and local life permeates throughout, complementing each other as they invite the moon over a toast, celebrating the moment with music and song.
By the Huangpu River, where the winds meet the clouds.
Shanghai is a unique city, bearing the metropolitan splendor of modern China's last century and embracing the intricate tapestry of Shanghainese culture. From east to west, the banks of the Huangpu River serve as a crucial thoroughfare linking land to sea, also witnessing the historical confluence of significant events and transformations.
Amidst a flourishing spectacle, a world unto itself is established. Nestled along the Huangpu River at No. 27 Pudong South Road in the Pudong New District, the newly inaugurated riverside restaurant, Pujiang Minghui, claims its residence. Occupying a four-story standalone structure, it boasts 180° panoramic river views and spans 4700㎡ in usable space, moving with the natural rhythms and observing the ebb and flow of the bustling crowds in tranquility.
This is a high-end, private dining haven attracting culinary aficionados from all walks of life. Unlike the secretive nature of many private kitchens, this space unfolds expansively in all directions, carving out a refined urban gathering spot for discourse amidst the solemn atmosphere of surrounding business buildings.
In a courtyard that is not expansively large, the design approach of "making the small grand" crafts a scene of openness and clarity. When the weather is favorable, the restaurant's glass doors are opened, seamlessly blending the indoors with the outdoors, creating an expansive feeling within a compact space.
The connection between humans and nature is thus established here. The courtyard, with its trees and plants, becomes a world of its own, surrounded by greenery and public art installations. Irregular stone paths weave through the space, inviting leisurely gatherings filled with joy and camaraderie.
This space serves as a transitional area from the bustling pace of the surrounding commercial district to the serene and indulgent atmosphere inside, where one can immerse in fine dining and a tranquil state of mind. Here, the tranquility and warmth of nature, along with the quiet and lively moments of human interaction, are all on full display.
The building stands in a fan-shaped orientation, presenting a slightly unique layout. The initial task for the designer was to analyze the relationship between the building and natural light to accordingly distribute various areas. The previously shaded area was repurposed to house the main entrance, not only bringing more natural light into the interior but also providing direct views of the river landscape.
"In the Everyday Hustle, There Lies a Grandeur"
In the ground floor lobby, the space isn't rigidly divided, allowing for more flexible use in daily operations. Screens themed around Shanghai's Magnolia, the city's flower, serve as both decorative elements and space dividers, enabling free configuration of the hall as needed.
The space is designed for casual, everyday use, yet aims to infuse an air of refined elegance amidst the lively atmosphere. In the center of the hall, columns wrapped in orange leather, paired with seating that combines French classical design and traditional Chinese fabrics, create an ambiance of understated luxury and charm, striking a balance between lavishness and tasteful subtlety.
Adopting warm hues as the primary color scheme enhances the sense of spaciousness at the visual level, creating an atmosphere that is clear, warm, and vibrantly natural. The ceiling is adorned with freely flowing lines as decoration, inspired by the meandering forms of waterways; the use of ripple panels evokes the image of a shimmering pool of water, which, under the interplay of light and shadow, scatters a luminous glow throughout the space as one's gaze and movements traverse the area. The lighting fixtures, with their moon-like textured surfaces, exude a vast and mysterious cosmic energy, casting an enchantingly dreamy ambiance.
The rich and vivid red round tables emulate the majestic aura of traditional Chinese architecture, grounding the atmosphere of the space while also highlighting its vibrant and expressive side. The smoothly curved bar, serving as the visual focal point of the hall, carries a dramatic tension reminiscent of a stage setting, symbolizing the embodiment of harmony and unity found in traditional culture.
Every blade of grass and tree encapsulates a world,
Every individual and their tea, a serene heart.
In the tea space, distinct from the main hall, light dances over the tea table, with the fragrance of tea, fermented by the essence of nature, lingering in the air. Here, amidst brewing tea and discussing wine, the essence of life's pleasures is fully embraced.
By the Huangpu River, where the winds meet the clouds.
Pujiang Minghui primarily features a fusion of innovative dishes inspired by the flavors of various regions in the Jiangnan area, integrated with modern Cantonese cuisine. This mirrors Shanghai's inclusive Haipai culture, which traces its origins to a blend of local and international city traits. Just as the collision of different cuisines creates exquisite flavors, the space's design also showcases the melding of various regional influences: maintaining the authenticity of each while harmoniously complementing one another.
Where ancient layers meet new life, time intertwines with space. In this project, the original architectural framework remains largely untouched, with elements characteristic of its era preserved. The marks left by the passage of time trace back through the history of the building, connecting the past with the present.
Above the second floor, the corridors have their own landscapes. The classical and modern beauty of old times, along with the exquisite urban scenes of the present, create a dynamic atmosphere where every step taken brings the spirit and form into harmony.
"Elegance and Grandeur: The Essence of the North"
From the second to the fourth floor, each private dining room boasts a distinct style. Some exude a blend of form and color, magnificent and grand; others are fashionable and composed, modern and refined; while others still capture the charm of the Jiangnan region, with garden views that bring the outside in.
Drawing inspiration from the elegance and dynamism of Shanghai's distinctive culture, the designer integrates their understanding of tradition and modernity into the space. The grand and spacious rooftop restaurant features large floor-to-ceiling windows at the top and around the perimeter, inviting natural light to flood the interior.
The combination of red and green is intensely vibrant, representing colors that have been prevalent in Chinese palaces for thousands of years. The use of brass-colored details in the decoration aptly and appropriately reflects the texture of time.
The room on the same floor contrasts with the top floor's grand and noble northern style, embodying the delicate and graceful southern style. The pivot door with abstract pattern collage allows for flexibility in opening and closing depending on the usage scenario. The walls, wrapped in fabric, also serve a soundproofing function, ensuring that even when there are many diners, the noise does not become disturbing.
The pairing of sky blue and dark green with intricate abstract patterns evokes the legacy of renowned Jiangnan textiles, while the bright yellow seats adorned with lavish patterns highlight a classical flair. This harmonious yet diverse combination enriches the spatial layers, adding depth and dimension to the setting.
"Boundless Garden Imagery
Encapsulated in a Finite Space"
The teal walls capture the vibrant essence of spring found deep within traditional gardens, blending simplicity with sophistication. This elegant yet casual design fosters an open and bright atmosphere while preserving a sense of profound depth and tranquility.
Drawing inspiration from traditional garden viewing windows, the use of mirrored surfaces reflects both the outdoor architecture and the interior furnishings. The tall and swaying branches become an exquisite focal point, creating a dynamic reflection that forms a scene within itself, enhancing the spatial experience with a layer of natural elegance and depth.
Aesthetic perception, rich in detail.
Good design is not only apparent on the surface but also extends deep into the texture. Rich details require an aesthetic sensibility and a keen engagement of the senses. Everywhere the eye sees, there is harmony in the essence, a connection of ideas, and an integration of contexts.
Echoing the outdoors, plants serve as a unifying thread throughout each space, whether it's a miniature tree in a corner, a leaning branch in a vase, a sculpted bonsai at the center of a dining table, or colorful butterflies as if ready to take flight. They imbue the entire space with a vibrant, lively essence.
The specially customized tea tables break away from the rigid form of traditional tea tables. The colorful wooden base and the unique turquoise-green tabletop, adorned with carefully selected celadon tea cups, perfectly complement the light and translucent white teapot. Here, old friends gather to discuss the past and the present, creating a tranquil haven, undisturbed by the changing scenes outside.
Even the choice of carpets varies according to the tone of the space: be it the subdued humility of earthy browns, the unrestrained bloom of floral patterns, or the dynamic flow of aqua greens.
These add an additional layer of tactile experience to the space, beyond just visual and auditory sensations: within the dense weave, one can feel the warmth of a close encounter between body and space.
Internal and external flow, natural energy
Firmly believing in the spiritual energy of all things in the universe, nature is an indispensable element in the projects of designer Duan Yuan. It serves as the foundation for a space to grow freely, obtaining infinite depth beyond design, ultimately leading to a harmonious integration between humans and nature, and within the soul.
In this space located by the banks of the Huangpu River, the waters' shimmering light can be seen from the second floor and above. On rainy days, the scene is misty and blurred, with fog enveloping the air; on clear days, the water sparkles and dances with light. Throughout the seasons and the days, the entire building is shrouded in a subtle mist from the outdoors, serving as a natural backdrop to the interior's blend of Eastern and Western, classical and modern aesthetics.
The extensive floor-to-ceiling windows encapsulate the enchanting views of the Huangpu River, with a continuous stream of information from afar on the outside and a lively atmosphere of warm gatherings on the inside. It's a flow of leisure within nature and boundless freedom.
The top-floor private rooms and terrace are fully integrated, making this an ideal location for both business banquets and small private parties. Whether in a group or sitting alone, guests can let their gaze wander over the seamless blend of sky and sea, immersing themselves in the ever-changing scenarios of life that unfold around them.
Conclusion
China boasts a long-standing culinary tradition, through which we savor the genuine tastes of life, the richness of emotions, and the abundance of materials. Pujiang Minghui, blending various cuisines, brings out the essence of diverse ingredients to the fullest, crafting delicious dishes with exquisite skill.
Just as cooking demands perfection, space design, while ensuring overall high quality, involves meticulous planning and selective choices. With its striking appearance and refined interior, the design harmoniously blends form and color, exuding distinct character and becoming a representative landmark along the banks of the Huangpu River.
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